EU clears SNCF Eurostar takeover

[dggar]

EU clears SNCF Eurostar takeover, must open routes to rivals

From Yahoo.com

https://news.yahoo.com/eu-gives-conditional-approval-sncf-takeover-eurostar-100014061.html

Does this mean routes beyond Paris and Brussels are more likely?

 

[TheKnightWho]

Yes, if they don't mind stopping at Lille for checks. The UKBA have put firm dampers on any economically viable expansion of Eurostar or competing operations further afield, which is why the Chunnel is perpetually underused.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It doesn't help that Eurostar's service is sloppy, the trains mucky and the prices high. I was *very* unimpressed last time I used it.

I'd choose to fly easyJet - lower prices, clean planes, better service.

 

[TheKnightWho]

It doesn't help that Eurostar's service is sloppy, the trains mucky and the prices high. I was *very* unimpressed last time I used it.

I'd choose to fly easyJet - lower prices, clean planes, better service.

This is less likely to be an issue if competition is introduced in the Chunnel.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

It would be interesting if DB put in to operate London-Paris.
They are the only ones with suitable alternative trains (eventually).
Of course there are Class 373s running domestically around France which could be used if SNCF could be persuaded to release them.

I don't quite understand the article about SNCF takeover.
The proposed deal was to sell the UK's 40% to CdpQ of Canada and Hermes (UK).
SNCF previously had a majority of 55% and will continue to do so.
Have I missed something?

 

[Bletchleyite]

This is less likely to be an issue if competition is introduced in the Chunnel.

Indeed so.

 

[BananaRepublic]

....Of course there are Class 373s running domestically around France which could be used if SNCF could be persuaded to release them.

Those have been withdrawn from service and have already been sent to the scrap line.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Yes, if they don't mind stopping at Lille for checks. The UKBA have put firm dampers on any economically viable expansion of Eurostar or competing operations further afield, which is why the Chunnel is perpetually underused.

It is not a major issue, only takes about 30 min and would allow trains to make multiple stops as well as being usable for domestic passengers as well as pax for the UK.

If anything there is more flexibility available with the Lille stop.

 

[BananaRepublic]

...I don't quite understand the article about SNCF takeover.
The proposed deal was to sell the UK's 40% to CdpQ of Canada and Hermes (UK).
SNCF previously had a majority of 55% and will continue to do so.
Have I missed something?

The UK's Treasury's 40% stake has been sold to CdpQ & Hermes, but it appears they, along with SNCB, have ceded full operational control of the company to the largest shareholder, SNCF.

Here's an article about it....
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/...ission-approves-sncf-control-of-eurostar.html

European Commission press release here...
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-4976_en.htm

 

[Ianigsy]

To my mind, the customs and immigration issue makes me think that Eurostar might do better to nurture a network of connections at Lille rather than trying to run through to everywhere from London. I'm looking at going to Lyon at the end of June and connecting at Lille costs about £100 more than changing in Paris.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

To my mind, the customs and immigration issue makes me think that Eurostar might do better to nurture a network of connections at Lille rather than trying to run through to everywhere from London.

People like direct trains - even if they have to get off and back on the same train, they are not having to move their luggage and it avoids concerns about missing connections.

 

[gazthomas]

The lack of competition to date has been disappointing and Eurostar is expensive and underwhelming

 

[Peter Mugridge]

People like direct trains - even if they have to get off and back on the same train, they are not having to move their luggage and it avoids concerns about missing connections.

They have to take all their luggage off at Lille and have it screened before getting back on the same train, however.

 

[WatcherZero]

Essentially was a clause that if the UK sold its stake SNCF had to have the opportunity to buy their golden share.